Dog owners in the East are being urged to be wary of Heatstroke as temperatures increase

Dog owners in Suffolk are being urged to keep an eye on their pets this weekend- as rising temperatures means our furry friends are more susceptible to heatstroke.

It's an illness that can be fatal and researchers from the Royal Veterinary College have found that mans best-friend can suffer from it, even when temperatures are as low as 17 degrees.

When it came to the risk of dying, older dogs, heavier dogs, which weighed between 40-50kg, and flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs were at most risk.

• Jane Tyson works for the RSPCA in East Anglia. She said no breed to immune to it- but those with short flat faces are more vulnerable.

• She explained why dogs with these characterises are more at risk.

• "They (dogs with short, flat faces) often have trouble breathing anyway but its also harder for them to pant and, that's the main way dogs use to cool themselves down so they can struggle more in the warmer weather.

• "Dogs also lose heat in the surrounding areas, so if you've got dogs that have thicker fur, or more fur on them, they can also be more susceptible as they retain more of the heat and find it harder to cool down."

• Jane told us what signs we should all look out for.

• Panting heavily, Difficulty breathing / laboured or heavy breathing , drowsy/tiredness/lethargic, un-coordinated movements, drooling, vomiting.

• She wants to ensure people consider where they take their dogs, as shade is vitally important during hot weather, and some places, like the beach, are less likely to have shade than others.

• Even long walks could result in heatstroke.

• She also told us what we can do to prevent our pets from becoming ill from heatstroke

• "Always make sure they've got access to fresh, clean water to drink and you can drop a few ice cubes in there because that will help the water stay a little bit cooler a little bit longer.

• "Make sure your pets have got plenty of areas that are shady to go into and rest in.

• "For dogs especially, some will enjoy splashing around in a paddling pool to keep cool, so you can provide one of those and keep it in the garden."

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